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Crossroads: My Story of Tragedy and Resilience as a Humboldt Bronco
Listening Length 7 hours and 55 minutes
An inspiring story of hope and resiliency
On April 6, 2018, sixteen people died and thirteen others were injured after a bus taking the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team to a playoff game collided with a transport truck in a rural intersection. The tragedy moved millions of people to leave hockey sticks by their front door to show sympathy and support for the Broncos. People from more than eighty countries pledged millions of dollars to families whose relatives had been directly involved in the accident.
'CROSSROADS' is the story of Kaleb Dahlgren, a young man who survived the bus crash and faced life after the tragedy with resiliency and positivity. In this chronicle of his time with the Broncos and the loving community of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Dahlgren takes a hard look at his experience of unprecedented loss, but also revels in the overwhelming response and outpouring of love from across Canada and around the world. But this book also goes much deeper, revealing the adversity Dahlgren faced long before his time in Humboldt and his inspiring journey since the accident.
From a childhood spent learning to live with type 1 diabetes to his remarkable recovery from severe brain trauma that astounded medical professionals, Dahlgren documents a life of perseverance, gratitude and hope in the wake of enormous obstacles and life-altering tragedy.
Running Time => 12hrs.
©2021 Kaleb Dahlgren (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
An inspiring story of hope and resiliency
On April 6, 2018, sixteen people died and thirteen others were injured after a bus taking the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team to a playoff game collided with a transport truck in a rural intersection. The tragedy moved millions of people to leave hockey sticks by their front door to show sympathy and support for the Broncos. People from more than eighty countries pledged millions of dollars to families whose relatives had been directly involved in the accident.
'CROSSROADS' is the story of Kaleb Dahlgren, a young man who survived the bus crash and faced life after the tragedy with resiliency and positivity. In this chronicle of his time with the Broncos and the loving community of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Dahlgren takes a hard look at his experience of unprecedented loss, but also revels in the overwhelming response and outpouring of love from across Canada and around the world. But this book also goes much deeper, revealing the adversity Dahlgren faced long before his time in Humboldt and his inspiring journey since the accident.
From a childhood spent learning to live with type 1 diabetes to his remarkable recovery from severe brain trauma that astounded medical professionals, Dahlgren documents a life of perseverance, gratitude and hope in the wake of enormous obstacles and life-altering tragedy.
Running Time => 12hrs.
©2021 Kaleb Dahlgren (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 16, 2021
119 people are currently reading
2063 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
February 27, 2021
Please, please read this book.
Even if hockey isn’t your thing. Even if you’re not a big nonfiction reader (I rarely read nonfiction). Even if you think it might be too sad, or too hard to get through. I promise you that it’s worth every ounce of pain you’ll feel while reading Kaleb’s story.
The first half of this book is Kaleb’s life before the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The second half is his life afterwards.
He has such a gift for writing, and his strength, resilience, and never-ending positivity are absolutely life-changing. This is a book that is going to stay with me forever. I feel like I’m walking away from this book with so many different ways of facing the challenges life brings. I feel like Kaleb, in all of his 23 year old wisdom, has taught me valuable lessons. The best part of that is those lessons are things he learned from each and every one of the people that were lost that day.
As a middle-aged mom, it’s hard to believe that I would be able to relate to Kaleb, but I did in so many ways. Kaleb describes how he was always the “mom” of his teams, and that’s exactly who I am. I’m the “mom” of my friends group, the “mom” of my workplace. I’m the one who always takes care of the rest of the group. So is Kaleb.
Yes, I was in tears through much of this book, but I feel so blessed and grateful to Kaleb for allowing me the chance to get to know him, the Humboldt survivors, and the Broncos that were lost.
I was one of those people that put my stick out after that crash. That left my porch light on. That wore my jersey to work at a bookstore on jersey day to show my support for Humbolt. But I had NO idea how important those small gestures were to Kaleb, the survivors, and the town.
I hope this book sells millions of copies. I know that I have mine preordered, although I was lucky enough to be sent an ARC.
Thank you so much, Harpercollins Canada, for providing me with an ARC of this beautiful book.
I hope to one day meet Kaleb to thank him in person for having the courage to put his life, pain, and recovery onto paper.
Even if hockey isn’t your thing. Even if you’re not a big nonfiction reader (I rarely read nonfiction). Even if you think it might be too sad, or too hard to get through. I promise you that it’s worth every ounce of pain you’ll feel while reading Kaleb’s story.
The first half of this book is Kaleb’s life before the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The second half is his life afterwards.
He has such a gift for writing, and his strength, resilience, and never-ending positivity are absolutely life-changing. This is a book that is going to stay with me forever. I feel like I’m walking away from this book with so many different ways of facing the challenges life brings. I feel like Kaleb, in all of his 23 year old wisdom, has taught me valuable lessons. The best part of that is those lessons are things he learned from each and every one of the people that were lost that day.
As a middle-aged mom, it’s hard to believe that I would be able to relate to Kaleb, but I did in so many ways. Kaleb describes how he was always the “mom” of his teams, and that’s exactly who I am. I’m the “mom” of my friends group, the “mom” of my workplace. I’m the one who always takes care of the rest of the group. So is Kaleb.
Yes, I was in tears through much of this book, but I feel so blessed and grateful to Kaleb for allowing me the chance to get to know him, the Humboldt survivors, and the Broncos that were lost.
I was one of those people that put my stick out after that crash. That left my porch light on. That wore my jersey to work at a bookstore on jersey day to show my support for Humbolt. But I had NO idea how important those small gestures were to Kaleb, the survivors, and the town.
I hope this book sells millions of copies. I know that I have mine preordered, although I was lucky enough to be sent an ARC.
Thank you so much, Harpercollins Canada, for providing me with an ARC of this beautiful book.
I hope to one day meet Kaleb to thank him in person for having the courage to put his life, pain, and recovery onto paper.
April 1, 2021
If you pick up a book this year let this be the one. You will laugh and cry. Even if you don’t like hockey or remember what is was like riding as a team on a bus. The power of the human spirit is remarkable and this book will uplift you spirit.
All the stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All the stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 18, 2021
In the spring of 2018 an ambitious young Saskatchewan ice-hockey player (and diabetic) named Kaleb Dahlgren was rendered comatose for five days when the team bus he was riding was T-boned at a rural intersection by a freight truck. Even so, he was lucky: many of his teammates died and others were no longer able to compete at pro hockey. CROSSROADS (2021) -- largely written by Dahlgren himself -- details his long route to rehabilitation and recovery, and the community help and sympathy the young man received. This isn't the best such book of its kind, but hockey fans will appreciate it. Illustrated.
April 8, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and finished it in 2 days.
I loved this. Kaleb’s resilience from a very young age is inspiring and admirable. His relationship with his parents even before the accident is beautiful to hear about. Would recommend to any Canadian and/or hockey fan.
I loved this. Kaleb’s resilience from a very young age is inspiring and admirable. His relationship with his parents even before the accident is beautiful to hear about. Would recommend to any Canadian and/or hockey fan.
January 13, 2024
This was a great/hard read. The Humboldt accident was such a tragedy. It was interesting to read it from a survivors perspective rather than a news report.
April 12, 2025
I remember the day of the Humbolt Broncos bus accident and how close it hit home with our son himself taking long bus rides with his team. And then everyone one would leave hockey sticks outside their home as a gesture of support. Kaleb, the author, is one of the lucky survivors of this tragedy. The book is well written and offers plenty of emotional moments. This young man was recently invited as a guest/motivational speaker to my son’s team who then went on to win the UCup championship. I’m sure this was no coincidence. Best of luck to you Kaleb and thank you for sharing your experience.
May 15, 2021
Unpopular opinion: the writing quality isn’t great, which I can forgive because it’s not his background, but the overall book feels extremely disingenuous. The image he paints is a Phoenix who has risen from the ashes of tragedy with absolutely no trauma. Similar to the doctors, I just can’t believe it.
I believe this book has so many 5 star reviews because people appreciate and respect the tragedy that occurred and don’t want to undercut that. I also respect the tragedy, but I wish there would have been a more heartfelt, realistic response from him
I believe this book has so many 5 star reviews because people appreciate and respect the tragedy that occurred and don’t want to undercut that. I also respect the tragedy, but I wish there would have been a more heartfelt, realistic response from him
December 5, 2024
Laughed and cried repeatedly throughout this book. A truly remarkable story of resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
June 26, 2021
After the tragedy to the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team just three years ago, one of the survivors Kaleb Dahlgren takes you through this event in this well written book. He gives you his background, his life in hockey and his life right before and after the accident. Lots more to this book than just the story of the accident - just read it you will be glad you did.
January 8, 2023
I really didn't know how to phrase my thoughts for this book. Dahlgren survived a horrific and unnecessary accident that upset the hockey world and the country at large. He rightfully deserves a space to tell his story. And while the writing of this book suffers from repetitiveness and heavy-handed cliches I am glad that he wrote this book. I felt genuine emotion when he spoke of his father's health struggles and the teammates he lost. Yet, the book is filled with a lack of introspection for most other things, something I really expect and look for when reading a memoir. He states that he believes if you work hard enough you can achieve a lot. But this just .... isn't true. It's a myth of liberal meritocracy that is based wholly on different types of privileges. That is just one example of the juvenile perspective presented in this book. Perhaps if he wrote this book further in the future it would succeed in being introspective in this regard. I wish I liked this as much as all the hockey world's biggest stars did (as evidenced by the Hayley Wickenheiser, Wayne Gretzky, Mitchell Marner, and James Duthie's words of praise scattered on the front and back cover), but I just didn't.
April 8, 2021
While reading this book I went through many emotions. Some parts mad me laugh, some parts made me cry, others inspired me, while some parts made me think about life and how precious it is.
The Humboldt tragedy hit us all hard when it happened and I will remember it for the rest of my life. This book was a great read about what happened that day, Kaleb’s life and what it meant to be a team.
I wish Kaleb did not have to write this book and that the tragedy didn’t happen but I am grateful he wrote it to show us what he and others went through but also to tell us about those who died that day and the impact they had on his life and the life of others.
I highly recommend this book.
The Humboldt tragedy hit us all hard when it happened and I will remember it for the rest of my life. This book was a great read about what happened that day, Kaleb’s life and what it meant to be a team.
I wish Kaleb did not have to write this book and that the tragedy didn’t happen but I am grateful he wrote it to show us what he and others went through but also to tell us about those who died that day and the impact they had on his life and the life of others.
I highly recommend this book.
June 27, 2025
Hardest book I've ever had the pleasure of reading. As a junior hockey fan and a diabetic this book hit me in so many ways. Most pages brought tears for one reason or another.
March 24, 2021
Crossroads tells an amazing story of recovery, resilience, reflection & loss. We are let into the life of an inspiring young man who has overcome and still continues to face the trauma with such grace & humility.
An emotional book that is filled with hope, loss, respect & perseverance. It is moving beyond measure and brings the perspective of positivity and hope.
A truly amazing and touching story that all should read.
An emotional book that is filled with hope, loss, respect & perseverance. It is moving beyond measure and brings the perspective of positivity and hope.
A truly amazing and touching story that all should read.
March 21, 2021
"Did we win our game tonight?"
"Kaleb," my father said. "There was no game."
Everyone needs to read this book. For so many reasons.
There but for the grace of God...
This is Canada - everyone knows a hockey kid, was a hockey kid, has a hockey kid.
Heartbreak was felt around the world with the events of April 6, 2018, when the Humboldt Broncos team bus was hit by a semi truck while en route to Nipawin, Saskatchewan.
Sixteen deaths. And 13 very injured survivors.
Broncos assistant captain and Crossroads author Kaleb Dahlgren takes us into the story we experienced through the headlines. But more than that, he gives of himself to the reader.
Simply stated, this is an incredible story. We meet Kaleb's parents who met in nursing school. Learn of Kaleb being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four. The near-fatal illness of his beloved father.
And through it all, the unwavering love of playing hockey and being part of a team, of a family.
All of which led to the tragic events of April 6 and the aftermath.
It's so evident through this book that Kaleb is a talented, compassionate and humble person. His openness and positivity ensure you can't put this book down.
This is such a worthy read and I can't recommend it highly enough.
A portion of proceeds from book sales will be donated by the author to STARS Air Ambulance.
"Kaleb," my father said. "There was no game."
Everyone needs to read this book. For so many reasons.
There but for the grace of God...
This is Canada - everyone knows a hockey kid, was a hockey kid, has a hockey kid.
Heartbreak was felt around the world with the events of April 6, 2018, when the Humboldt Broncos team bus was hit by a semi truck while en route to Nipawin, Saskatchewan.
Sixteen deaths. And 13 very injured survivors.
Broncos assistant captain and Crossroads author Kaleb Dahlgren takes us into the story we experienced through the headlines. But more than that, he gives of himself to the reader.
Simply stated, this is an incredible story. We meet Kaleb's parents who met in nursing school. Learn of Kaleb being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four. The near-fatal illness of his beloved father.
And through it all, the unwavering love of playing hockey and being part of a team, of a family.
All of which led to the tragic events of April 6 and the aftermath.
It's so evident through this book that Kaleb is a talented, compassionate and humble person. His openness and positivity ensure you can't put this book down.
This is such a worthy read and I can't recommend it highly enough.
A portion of proceeds from book sales will be donated by the author to STARS Air Ambulance.
April 27, 2021
This one was hard to rate. It was more introspective than I imagined, but I wasn’t sure if what I was reading was him or the image he wanted to present and what his editor and helper brought out. There is great detail into his life, but a lot of name dropping, the Trudeau part was very off, serious repetition issues, the constant question of medical professionals and a lack of thought into the hockey culture that was almost cultish in its presentation. We also never got insight into his change at the end and the lack of insight into privilege he had in his career, his non-hockey related endeavours, the treatment he was given and aftermath response to the crash is mind numbing.
January 9, 2023
SPOLIER ALERT
I have had this book for over a year. I just couldn’t bring myself to read it. I’m a hockey/baseball/football mom. My boys ride the bus most weekends throughout the year. My husband and I often do as well. This weekend they were off on the bus without me and I picked up the book. Again. And this time I read it all the way through. And I am so glad I did. This book is about so much more than Hockey. This story is about a young man who has had good fortune and horrendous experiences. He has figured out that, in the end, only people matter. Family first. The 16 angels would be proud of how he represents them daily. ❤️
I have had this book for over a year. I just couldn’t bring myself to read it. I’m a hockey/baseball/football mom. My boys ride the bus most weekends throughout the year. My husband and I often do as well. This weekend they were off on the bus without me and I picked up the book. Again. And this time I read it all the way through. And I am so glad I did. This book is about so much more than Hockey. This story is about a young man who has had good fortune and horrendous experiences. He has figured out that, in the end, only people matter. Family first. The 16 angels would be proud of how he represents them daily. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
I am so grateful to hear Kaleb's story. This was tough too though- I have lived in Saskatchewan for my entire life, I was born in Humboldt and my parents have lived there again for over 10 years. I went to the same small high school as Mark Cross (he was a year younger then me).
We all had connections- we all cried and prayed for the families involved.
The only criticism I had about the audiobook was that the reader was not from the Prairies- he didn't have our dialect and it was frustrating to hear him say the name of our province in a strange way, and other words that are common to us here. I wish they could have had a local reader.
We all had connections- we all cried and prayed for the families involved.
The only criticism I had about the audiobook was that the reader was not from the Prairies- he didn't have our dialect and it was frustrating to hear him say the name of our province in a strange way, and other words that are common to us here. I wish they could have had a local reader.
May 8, 2025
I remember this tragedy in April of 2018.
One of my very good friends -who had 4 children in hockey - made a social media post that the very largest fear that keeps hockey parents awake at nite had happened. I didn’t know the extent of the disaster until the next day. The world put hockey sticks on front step for months.
I couldn’t read this book until now - and still now I read thru tears.
Kaleb the author is a brave young man who survived the crash and describes his life of gratitude and hope. Well done.
One of my very good friends -who had 4 children in hockey - made a social media post that the very largest fear that keeps hockey parents awake at nite had happened. I didn’t know the extent of the disaster until the next day. The world put hockey sticks on front step for months.
I couldn’t read this book until now - and still now I read thru tears.
Kaleb the author is a brave young man who survived the crash and describes his life of gratitude and hope. Well done.
January 26, 2023
Captivating. Emotional. Inspiring.
I knew this book was going to be emotional, but what I wasn’t expecting was the sheer resilience from a truly inspiring young man. I love how he puts emphasis on the fact that everyone grieves differently and there is no right way to deal with tragedy. Highly recommend everyone read this even if you don’t love hockey, this book is about life and how every precious second counts.
I knew this book was going to be emotional, but what I wasn’t expecting was the sheer resilience from a truly inspiring young man. I love how he puts emphasis on the fact that everyone grieves differently and there is no right way to deal with tragedy. Highly recommend everyone read this even if you don’t love hockey, this book is about life and how every precious second counts.
July 5, 2021
An amazing read! Could not put it down! Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster filled with tears. A very-well written story of healing and a reminder of how precious life is.
June 27, 2021
Although I have never been much of a hockey fan this tragedy definitely impacted the community that I call home. Sticks were placed outside, porch lights left on and jerseys worn by so many.
The part of this book that amazed me most was Kaleb’s resiliency and desire to keep moving forward. He heard bad news, horrific news and still managed to move forward. At no point did he use the “victim card” and place blame on the accident or the driver of the truck. In fact, the mechanics of the accident were never discussed. This resiliency is inspiring and so needed in a world where people are so quick to point fingers. Thank you Kaleb!
The part of this book that amazed me most was Kaleb’s resiliency and desire to keep moving forward. He heard bad news, horrific news and still managed to move forward. At no point did he use the “victim card” and place blame on the accident or the driver of the truck. In fact, the mechanics of the accident were never discussed. This resiliency is inspiring and so needed in a world where people are so quick to point fingers. Thank you Kaleb!
January 15, 2022
This book is inspirational and handles dealing with grief and trauma very well. I still remember hearing about the crash and how it impacted Canadians. This story is more than just about the crash, it offers insights on overcoming any obstacle you face in life and living every day with gratitude.
July 27, 2023
Grab some tissues. Really good read!
April 20, 2022
As tough as this was to read, and as many tears as I shed, I'm very glad I picked this up. In many parts it was also touching, funny and provided continuous lessons in resilience and courage.
May 11, 2021
One just can not rate a biography. This was all about journey Kaleb was before the bus accident to where and who he is now. It is truly an inspiring story to read.
October 11, 2021
This book was incredibly heartbreaking, as expected. I was teary eyed through most of the second half. If you weren't already sympathetic for what these athletes, their families, and their communities have gone through, this book makes you even more so. Thanks to Tyler and Krista for gifting me this book! They know me so well 😊
August 14, 2021
I read this book in early July and debated whether or not I should leave a review. I have always struggled with people making a profit from a tragic event, but this one doesn't feel that way. Although Kaleb discussed the bus accident, he spends most of the book talking about his youth, living his life with diabetes and striving to make the world a better place through community service.
Just like many residents of Saskatchewan, the bus accident impacted me personally through close connections to those involved, and through the students at my school (friends, former teammates, etc.). Recovery was a slow process and it is still happening today. Hopefully, Kaleb's book will help with his healing and for the friends and families of those involved.
Thank you Kaleb, for your kind and thoughtful words in this memoir. Please take care of yourself.
Just like many residents of Saskatchewan, the bus accident impacted me personally through close connections to those involved, and through the students at my school (friends, former teammates, etc.). Recovery was a slow process and it is still happening today. Hopefully, Kaleb's book will help with his healing and for the friends and families of those involved.
Thank you Kaleb, for your kind and thoughtful words in this memoir. Please take care of yourself.
March 24, 2021
Wow!! This book has left me with all the feels and emotions. It chronicles the life up until this point of Humbolt Bronco's bus crash survivor Kaleb Dahlgren.
"Tell me I'm dreaming"
The first words Kaleb says to his parents following the crash. For 4 consecutive days. On April 6,2018 Kaleb and his team mates would be involved a crash with a semi truck en route to a playoff game that would claim the lives of 16 team and staff members and critically injure 13 others including himself. It was a day that shook a nation. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabeties at the age of 4, Kaleb is no stranger to adversity but this would test even his resilience. He have have survived the crash but he sustained multiple life threatening injuries including : broken neck, fractured skull, a brain injury, partial de-gloving of the scalp and a puncture wound to the skull.
Crossroads tells an amazing story of recovery, resilience and reflection. We are let into the life of an absolutely inspirational young man who has over come yet faces it with such grace and humility. And aims to take a traumatic situation and better himself and the world.
" I needed to live big, because they can't live their lives. I need to live my life big- for me and for them"
And he shows his commitment to this statement with his drive to try and continue playing competitive hockey, maintaining deans lists University grades and the continuation and growth of his charity Dahlgren's Diabeauties. This vulnerable memoir is a must read, whether you're a fan of the game or not. #humboltstrong
"Tell me I'm dreaming"
The first words Kaleb says to his parents following the crash. For 4 consecutive days. On April 6,2018 Kaleb and his team mates would be involved a crash with a semi truck en route to a playoff game that would claim the lives of 16 team and staff members and critically injure 13 others including himself. It was a day that shook a nation. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabeties at the age of 4, Kaleb is no stranger to adversity but this would test even his resilience. He have have survived the crash but he sustained multiple life threatening injuries including : broken neck, fractured skull, a brain injury, partial de-gloving of the scalp and a puncture wound to the skull.
Crossroads tells an amazing story of recovery, resilience and reflection. We are let into the life of an absolutely inspirational young man who has over come yet faces it with such grace and humility. And aims to take a traumatic situation and better himself and the world.
" I needed to live big, because they can't live their lives. I need to live my life big- for me and for them"
And he shows his commitment to this statement with his drive to try and continue playing competitive hockey, maintaining deans lists University grades and the continuation and growth of his charity Dahlgren's Diabeauties. This vulnerable memoir is a must read, whether you're a fan of the game or not. #humboltstrong
April 8, 2025
Crossroads | Kaleb Dahlgren
4.5☆🎧
I remember exactly where I was on April 6, 2018 when I heard the news of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Every year on the anniversary (yesterday 🥲) I think of all the victims and survivors, as it truly was an unforgettable day for all of Canada. April 6, 2018 the Humboldt Broncos hockey team was travelling to an away game when a semi failed to stop at a crossing, and their bus collided with it. 16 people were killed and 13 were injured, many left with life-altering impairments. One of the survivors, Kaleb Dahlgren, tells his story of his childhood, hockey career, the tragedy itself, his recovery (physically, emotionally and mentally) and life now. His injuries included a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, broken neck and back, blood clots, and extensive nerve and muscle damage. He demonstrates resilience and perseverance despite his injuries and family health scares. Kaleb’s father battled through many illnesses and Kaleb discusses how hard this was for him, almost losing his dad multiple times. When he was four years old, Kaleb was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes which impacted his life immensely and he faced several coaches telling him he shouldn’t play hockey due to the diagnosis. Kaleb’s memoir is a must read, especially as a Canadian it hits very close to home. I learned a lot of information about the crash that I hadn’t heard before, including misidentified victims, and Kaleb’s parents arriving on scene shortly after the accident. 😭
He now speaks about his adversities, has founded a mentorship program, and is studying to be a chiropractor, not allowing his injuries to hold him back, with his main goal being to help other people. In addition, Kaleb is donating a portion of his book proceeds to STARS air ambulance. 🤍
4.5☆🎧
I remember exactly where I was on April 6, 2018 when I heard the news of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Every year on the anniversary (yesterday 🥲) I think of all the victims and survivors, as it truly was an unforgettable day for all of Canada. April 6, 2018 the Humboldt Broncos hockey team was travelling to an away game when a semi failed to stop at a crossing, and their bus collided with it. 16 people were killed and 13 were injured, many left with life-altering impairments. One of the survivors, Kaleb Dahlgren, tells his story of his childhood, hockey career, the tragedy itself, his recovery (physically, emotionally and mentally) and life now. His injuries included a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, broken neck and back, blood clots, and extensive nerve and muscle damage. He demonstrates resilience and perseverance despite his injuries and family health scares. Kaleb’s father battled through many illnesses and Kaleb discusses how hard this was for him, almost losing his dad multiple times. When he was four years old, Kaleb was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes which impacted his life immensely and he faced several coaches telling him he shouldn’t play hockey due to the diagnosis. Kaleb’s memoir is a must read, especially as a Canadian it hits very close to home. I learned a lot of information about the crash that I hadn’t heard before, including misidentified victims, and Kaleb’s parents arriving on scene shortly after the accident. 😭
He now speaks about his adversities, has founded a mentorship program, and is studying to be a chiropractor, not allowing his injuries to hold him back, with his main goal being to help other people. In addition, Kaleb is donating a portion of his book proceeds to STARS air ambulance. 🤍
June 21, 2021
This was a big hit to the feels and it just kept hitting the entire time.
For whatever reason I decided the best time to listen to this book was alone in a car, but it had me gripped the whole drive. I loved hearing about the attitude that Kaleb and his family held when he was growing up and how that transferred to resiliency after the crash. Growing up in a small Junior B hockey town, it was interesting to compare to the way that Humboldt really focused on the team's influence outside of hockey. Granted, I am not the most familiar with the workings of our small town hockey team, but I don't think it was anywhere near the level of integration that the Broncos had with their community. I think too often we ignore negative hockey culture and we don't get to see the kind of systems that encourage young players to strive for more than on-ice performance.
Something I've struggled with forever is coming to terms with both my own mortality and that of those around me. You would think that through medicine I would be better at this, and I think I handle patient deaths well, but it's completely different when it's more personal. This book addressed mortality directly, and it made me very uncomfortable. It also talked about coming to terms with having to change how you incorporate your passions in life and this too made me sad and uncomfortable.
Overall after listening to this I felt completely gutted but it was a book that touched on so much more than just the crash that is etched in so many Canadian minds. Kaleb has a lot more to share than just hockey stories and I was surprised to find the ideas channeled directly to my own vulnerability.
For whatever reason I decided the best time to listen to this book was alone in a car, but it had me gripped the whole drive. I loved hearing about the attitude that Kaleb and his family held when he was growing up and how that transferred to resiliency after the crash. Growing up in a small Junior B hockey town, it was interesting to compare to the way that Humboldt really focused on the team's influence outside of hockey. Granted, I am not the most familiar with the workings of our small town hockey team, but I don't think it was anywhere near the level of integration that the Broncos had with their community. I think too often we ignore negative hockey culture and we don't get to see the kind of systems that encourage young players to strive for more than on-ice performance.
Something I've struggled with forever is coming to terms with both my own mortality and that of those around me. You would think that through medicine I would be better at this, and I think I handle patient deaths well, but it's completely different when it's more personal. This book addressed mortality directly, and it made me very uncomfortable. It also talked about coming to terms with having to change how you incorporate your passions in life and this too made me sad and uncomfortable.
Overall after listening to this I felt completely gutted but it was a book that touched on so much more than just the crash that is etched in so many Canadian minds. Kaleb has a lot more to share than just hockey stories and I was surprised to find the ideas channeled directly to my own vulnerability.
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